GANDCRAB ransomware removal instructions

What is GANDCRAB?

GANDCRAB is another ransomware-type virus distributed using RigEK toolkit. Once infiltrated, encrypts most stored data and adds the ".GDCB" extension to the name of each compromised file. From this point, files become unusable. Immediately after encryption, GANDCRAB generates a "GDCB-DECRYPT.txt" file and places a copy in every existing folder. GANDCRAB's developers have released a number of different GANDCRAB's versions. The list includes: GANDCRAB V2.0, GANDCRAB 3, GANDCRAB V5.0, GANDCRAB 5.0.2, GANDCRAB V5.0.3, GANDCRAB 5.0.4, GANDCRAB 5.0.5, GANDCRAB 5.0.7, GANDCRAB 5.0.8, GANDCRAB 5.0.9, GANDCRAB 5.1.0, GANDCRAB 5.1.4, GANDCRAB 5.1.5, GANDCRAB V5.1.6. All of these viruses behave exactly the same - encrypt data and make ransom demands. The main differences are: added file extension, ransom text, website's design, price and cryptocurrency wallet.

The new text file contains information regarding the current situation and instructs victims what to do next. To decrypt data, victims must open a Tor web page and follow the instructions within. The website states that decryption requires a unique key, which is stored on a remote server controlled by GANDCRAB's developers. Unfortunately, this information is accurate. Although it is currently unknown whether GANDCRAB uses symmetric or asymmetric cryptography, in all cases, file decryption without the key is impossible. Therefore, victims are encouraged to pay 1.5 Dash (cryptocurrency), currently equivalent to ~$1130. GANDCRAB is the first ransomware so far that accepts Dash coins. Once the ransom is paid, the decryption key is supposedly released. Be aware, however, that cyber criminals cannot be trusted. The cost is high and criminals are likely to ignore victims once payment is submitted. For these reasons, you are advised never to contact these people or pay any ransoms. Unfortunately, there are no tools capable of restoring files encrypted by GANDCRAB. Therefore, the only solution is to restore everything from a backup.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

GANDCRAB is a regular ransomware and shares many similarities with InsaneCrypt, Velso, Rapid, Cyber Police, and dozens of other ransomware-type viruses. As with GANDCRAB, these malware infections also encrypt stored files and make ransom demands. In most cases, the only major differences are size of ransom and type of encryption algorithms used. Research shows that, unfortunately, most of these viruses employ algorithms (e.g., RSA, AES, and so on) that generate unique decryption keys. Thus, unless ransomware has certain bugs/flaws (e.g., the key is hard-coded, stored locally, or similar), restoring files manually without involvement of developers (contacting these people is not recommended) is impossible. Viruses such as GANDCRAB present a strong case for maintaining regular data backups, however, note that storing backup files locally is not safe - ransomware encrypts them as with any other file. Backups must be stored on a remote server (e.g., Cloud) or unplugged external storage.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. Therefore, to prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet. Be aware that files received from suspicious email addresses should never be downloaded or opened. These emails should be deleted without reading. You are also advised to download your applications from official/trusted sources only, using direct download links (unofficial downloaders/installers often include rogue software). Use a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite and keep installed applications up-to-date, however, since criminals proliferate malware via fake updaters, use implemented update functions or tools provided by the official developer only. The key to computer safety is caution.

Attention!All your files documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .GDCB The only method of recovering files is to purchase a private key. It is on our server and only we can recover your files.The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:1. Download Tor browser - hxxps://www.torproject.org/2. Install Tor browser3. Open Tor Browser4. Open link in tor browser: hxxp://gdcbghvjyqy7jclk.onion/113737081e857d00 5. Follow the instructions on this page

If Tor/Tor browser is locked in your country or you can not install it, open one of the following links in your regular browser:1. hxxp://gdcbghvjyqy7jclk.onion.top/113737081e857d00 2. hxxp://gdcbghvjyqy7jclk.onion.casa/113737081e857d00 3. hxxp://gdcbghvjyqy7jclk.onion.guide/113737081e857d00 4. hxxp://gdcbghvjyqy7jclk.onion.rip/113737081e857d00 5. hxxp://gdcbghvjyqy7jclk.onion.plus/113737081e857d00

On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free.

DANGEROUS!Do not try to modify files or use your own private key - this will result in the loss of your data forever!

Screenshot of GANDCRAB website:

Text presented in this website:

- GandCrab - Welcome!WE ARE REGRET, BUT ALL YOUR FILES WAS ENCRYPTED!

But don't worry, you can return all your files! We can help you!Below you can choose one of your encrypted file from your PC and decrypt him, it is test decryptor for you.But we can decrypt only 1 file for free.

ATTENTION!If you have any problems to decrypt test file, please try later, sorry but we have very big request for test files, also use free support service, we can help you.

What do your need?You need GandCrab Decryptor.This software will decrypt all your encrypted files and will delete GandCrab from your PC.For purchase you need crypto-currency DASH (1 DASH = 762.297 $).How to buy this currency you can read it here.How much money your need to pay? Below we are specified amount and our wallet for payment-Price-1.5 DASH (1200 USD)-DASH address for payment-XkGKE7niDTbZb5o7fTw22o9TQxyYu5zyfUThis process is fully automated, all payments is instant.After your payment, please refresh this page and you can download here GandCrab Decryptor!If you have any questions, please, don't hesitate, and write in our Support service 24/7.

Screenshot of files encrypted by GANDCRAB (".GDCB" extension):

Update 19 December, 2018 - As mentioned above, GANDCRAB has been updated more than 10 times and recently it was updated again. The currently newest version is GANDCRAB V5.1.6.

Screenshot of the GANDCRAB V5.1.6's text file:

Text presented within this file:

---= GANDCRAB V5.1.6 =---

***********************UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE, UNTIL ALL YOUR DATA IS RECOVERED***********************

*****FAILING TO DO SO, WILL RESULT IN YOUR SYSTEM CORRUPTION, IF THERE ARE DECRYPTION ERRORS*****

Attention!

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .VMQZGDNMUZ

The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.

The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:

On our page you will see instructions on payment and get the opportunity to decrypt 1 file for free.

ATTENTION!

IN ORDER TO PREVENT DATA DAMAGE:

* DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES* DO NOT CHANGE DATA BELOW

---BEGIN GANDCRAB KEY---

---END PC DATA---

Screenshot of GANDCRAB V5.1.6's website:

Text presented within this site:

If the payment isn't made until 3/8/2018, 10:45:13 AM, the cost of decrypting files will be doubledCountdown to double price: Time is up. Price is doubled!What's the matter?Your computer has been infected with GandCrab Ransomware.All your files have been encrypted and you are not able to decrypt it by yourself.

To decrypt your files you have to buy GandCrab decryptorThe price is - 800 USDWhat can I do to get my files back?You should buy our software GandCrab Decryptor. It will scan your PC, network share, all connected devices and check for encrypted files and decrypt it. Current price: 800 USD. We accept cryptocurrency DASH and BitcoinWhat guarantees can you give me?To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can use free decrypt and decrypt one file for free.But this file must be an image, because images usually are not valuable.I don't have Bitcoin (BTC) or DASH (DSH). How can I make the payment?Easy. The list of the most popular exchange services:The full list of exchange services for Bitcoin here and for DASH here.AttentionDon't delete file *-DECRYPT.txt before full restore of your PC.

Update February 19, 2019 - Bitdefender has recently released a decryption tool capable of restoring data encrypted by GandCrab V1, V4, and all V5 versions (up to 5.1). Therefore, victims can decrypt their data easily without paying cyber criminals. You can find more information in this article and you can download the decryptor by clicking this link.

Screenshot of Bitdefender's GandCrab decryptor:

GANDCRAB ransomware removal:

Instant automatic removal of GandCrab virus:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Spyhunter is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of GandCrab virus. Download it by clicking the button below:▼ DOWNLOAD SpyhunterBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Step 2

Log in to the account infected with the GANDCRAB virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.

Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":

1. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.

To restore individual files encrypted by this ransomware, try using Windows Previous Versions feature. This method is only effective if the System Restore function was enabled on an infected operating system. Note that some variants of GANDCRAB are known to remove Shadow Volume Copies of the files, so this method may not work on all computers.

To restore a file, right-click over it, go into Properties, and select the Previous Versions tab. If the relevant file has a Restore Point, select it and click the "Restore" button.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.

To regain control of the files encrypted by GANDCRAB, you can also try using a program called Shadow Explorer. More information on how to use this program is available here.

To protect your computer from file encryption ransomware such as this, use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware programs. As an extra protection method, you can use programs called HitmanPro.Alert and EasySync CryptoMonitor, which artificially implant group policy objects into the registry to block rogue programs such as GANDCRAB ransomware.

Windows 10 users should install this update to protect their data from ransomware attacks. Here is more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection layer from ransomware infections.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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